What Is PPE? Types, Requirements & CSA Standards in Canada

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Personal protective equipment, or PPE, is the gear that protects a worker when hazards cannot be fully eliminated or controlled. It's also a legal matter: under s. 125(1)(l) of the Canada Labour Code, federally regulated employers must "provide every person granted access to the work place by the employer with prescribed safety materials, equipment, devices and clothing," and every province and territory writes its own PPE duties into its own OHS law. This guide covers what PPE is, the main types, where it fits in the hierarchy of controls, the federal and provincial rules, the standards behind them, who pays for it, and the training the law expects. 1,8

What is PPE, and what does it stand for?

PPE (personal protective equipment) is the specialized clothing, gear and equipment a worker wears or uses to protect themselves from workplace hazards. It covers the risks a job carries, from falling objects and flying particles to chemicals, noise and airborne contaminants, and it shields workers from injury or illness when those risks can't be fully removed from the workplace. 8

What are the main types of PPE?

PPE is grouped into seven main types by the part of the body it protects:

  • Head protection: helmets and hard hats selected for the hazard protect against impacts and falling objects; electrical protection depends on the class. Bump caps are not substitutes for protective hard hats. 3
  • Eye and face protection: safety glasses, goggles, face shields and welding helmets guard against flying particles, chemical splashes or radiation when selected for the hazard. 4
  • Respiratory protection: respirators protect workers from airborne contaminants such as dust, fumes and gases, with the type chosen for the contaminant, exposure and oxygen conditions. 5
  • Hearing protection: earplugs and earmuffs help prevent noise-induced hearing loss when properly selected, fitted and worn. 7
  • Hand and arm protection: gloves, sleeves and gauntlets selected for the hazard help guard against cuts, punctures and abrasions. 15,8
  • Foot and leg protection: safety shoes, boots and leggings protect against falling objects, slips and cuts. Protection depends on the footwear’s design and markings. 6
  • Body and skin protection: coveralls, aprons, high-visibility apparel and flame-resistant or arc-rated clothing provide protection suited to hazards such as heat, chemicals, poor visibility or electrical arcs. No single garment protects against all of these hazards. 2,8

Where does PPE fit in the hierarchy of controls?

PPE is the last line of defence. The hierarchy of controls starts with eliminating the hazard or substituting something less hazardous, then engineering and administrative controls, with PPE used for the remaining risk. Canadian OHS frameworks generally prioritize eliminating or controlling hazards before relying on PPE, although the exact legal wording varies by jurisdiction. 8

For example, the federal COHSR requires protection equipment where it is not feasible to eliminate a workplace hazard or reduce it to safe limits and the equipment may reduce injury risk. Yukon’s regulations place PPE after other control measures. For workers the practical meaning is simple: PPE protects you from a hazard that is still there, which is why selection, fit and training matter. 2,20

What is the federal legislation for PPE?

For federally regulated workplaces covered by the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR), the main PPE rules are in Part XII, “Protection Equipment and Other Preventive Measures.” Sector-specific federal regulations may apply to other workplaces. Part XII sets the use duty (s. 12.03), requires equipment designed for the hazard that must not itself create a hazard (s. 12.04), and requires proper storage, maintenance and inspection. Equipment worn by a person must be safely and properly fitted to each user by a qualified person according to the manufacturer’s instructions (s. 12.05). 2

Training is its own provision: everyone granted workplace access who uses protection equipment must receive instruction by a qualified person. Employees must also be trained in its use, operation and maintenance. The instruction and training must be summarized in writing, and records must be kept of equipment provided, except disposable equipment (ss. 12.2 and 12.21). 2

These duties flow from the Canada Labour Code itself: provide the prescribed equipment (s. 125(1)(l)), provide the necessary training (s. 125(1)(q)), and ensure the equipment is actually used (s. 125(1)(w)). Hearing protection sits in Part VII’s noise provisions rather than Part XII. 1,2

What are the CSA standards for PPE?

Many of the principal PPE standards used in Canada are published by CSA Group (the Canadian Standards Association), although legislation may also reference other recognized standards and certification systems. A standard becomes binding at work when occupational health and safety legislation incorporates it. Certification and approval requirements depend on the equipment and the applicable legislation or standard. Key CSA standards for PPE include: 2,12

  • CSA Z94.1-15 (R2025), Industrial protective headwear: hard hats 3
  • CSA Z94.3:20 (R2025), Eye and face protectors: safety glasses, goggles, face shields 4
  • CAN/CSA-Z94.4-18 (R2023), Selection, use, and care of respirators 5
  • CSA Z195:14 (R2025), Protective footwear: safety boots and shoes 6
  • CSA Z94.2-14 (R2024), Hearing protection devices: earplugs and earmuffs 7

How editions apply depends on the provision. Under Part XII of the COHSR, references to standards are generally to the standard “as amended from time to time” (s. 12.02), with amendments taking effect 30 days after publication in both official languages. Hearing protection is regulated separately under Part VII: section 7.7 names CSA Z94.2-M1984 “as amended from time to time”. Check the provision that applies to your workplace; the latest published edition is not automatically the edition required in every jurisdiction. 2

What is the provincial and territorial legislation for PPE?

Every province and territory sets its own PPE rules. The table identifies key general provisions; additional rules may apply to the sector, task or equipment.

Selected general PPE requirements by jurisdiction

JurisdictionLawWhat it requires
AlbertaOHS Code, Part 18 (Personal Protective Equipment)Hazard-assessment driven: PPE is required where the assessment shows it is needed; workers must be trained in the correct use, care, limitations and assigned maintenance of the equipment (s. 228(1)(d)). Workers must use it as trained and inspect it before use (s. 228(2)). 12
British ColumbiaOHS Regulation, Part 8 (Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment)Workers provide weather clothing, general-purpose gloves, appropriate footwear and safety headgear; the employer provides all other required PPE at no cost (s. 8.2). When an evaluation of workplace conditions is needed to determine appropriate PPE, it must, where practicable, involve consultation with the joint committee or worker health and safety representative, as applicable, and the worker who will use the equipment (s. 8.4). When PPE is required to protect against chemical exposure or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, a PPE program is required (s. 8.5), including written procedures for selection, use, inspection, cleaning, maintenance and storage when required. The program must be reviewed annually (s. 8.6). Workers need instruction in correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance (s. 8.7). 11
ManitobaWorkplace Safety and Health Regulation (M.R. 217/2006), Part 6Provide appropriate required PPE at no cost (s. 6.3(a)); develop safe work procedures, train workers in them and ensure compliance (s. 6.2). Those procedures must be consistent with the manufacturer’s procedures. 14
New BrunswickGeneral Regulation 91-191, Part VIIThe employer provides required equipment and ensures the employee is instructed and trained in its use, care and inspection according to the manufacturer’s specifications (s. 38(1)). 15
Newfoundland and LabradorOHS Regulations, 2012 (NLR 5/12), Part VIISelect and use PPE according to recognized standards, properly fitted so that it does not create a hazard to the wearer (s. 71). Workers need instruction in correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance duties (s. 72). 19
Northwest TerritoriesOHS Regulations (R-039-2015), Part 7, s. 90Provide approved required PPE at no cost (s. 90(1)(a)); train the worker in its use (s. 90(1)(e)); explain why it is required and the limitations of its protection (s. 90(1)(f)). 21
Nova ScotiaOccupational Safety General Regulations, Part 3Ensure adequate PPE is used based on the task, workplace and hazards (s. 9(1)); provide adequate training in proper use and care (s. 9(2)(a)). Equipment must be tested or visually inspected before each use (s. 9(3)(b)); defective equipment is taken out of service until repaired (s. 9(4)). 16
NunavutOHS Regulations (R-003-2016), Part 7, s. 90Provide approved required PPE at no cost (s. 90(1)(a)); ensure the worker is trained in its use (s. 90(1)(e)) and informed of why it is required and its limitations (s. 90(1)(f)). 22
OntarioReg. 851 (Industrial Establishments), ss. 79–86 + O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects), ss. 21–27Industrial: workers must be instructed and trained in care and use before wearing or using PPE (s. 79); head, eye and foot protection must be appropriate to the hazard (ss. 80–82). Construction: protective headwear and footwear are required at all times on a project (ss. 22(1), 23(1)). 9,10
Prince Edward IslandOHS Act General Regulations (EC180/87), Part 45Maintain PPE in good condition (s. 45.2); provide pre-job instruction on use, limitations and maintenance (s. 45.3). Workers test the equipment before each use and must not use equipment they have reason to believe is defective (s. 45.4). 17
QuebecAct respecting occupational health and safety, s. 51Provide, free of charge, the protective means and equipment selected or prescribed under s. 51(11), and ensure their use. Provide information and appropriate training, assistance or supervision (s. 51(9)). 18
SaskatchewanThe OHS Regulations, 2020, Part 7Supply approved required PPE at no cost to workers (s. 7-2(1)(a)); ensure each worker knows its location and is trained in its use (s. 7-2(1)(e)). 13
YukonWorkplace Health and Safety Regulations (O.I.C. 2006/178), Part 1, ss. 1.08–1.11Workers provide weather clothing, general-purpose gloves and appropriate footwear (s. 1.08); all other required PPE is provided at no cost (s. 1.09). PPE must be readily available, with appropriate training provided (s. 1.10). 20
Federal — workplaces covered by the COHSRCOHSR, Part XII + Canada Labour Code, s. 125Required equipment must protect against the hazard; instruction and training by a qualified person are required as described in the federal section above (ss. 12.03–12.05, 12.2). 2

Who is responsible for PPE, and who pays for it?

In every Canadian jurisdiction, the employer has core PPE duties: ensuring that required PPE is appropriate for the hazard, available and actually used, and supported by training. PPE is generally required when a hazard cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means, when a hazard assessment shows the need, or when a regulation requires it for a specific hazard. 2,12,20,9 Who purchases or provides particular items varies by jurisdiction. Under the COHSR, instruction and training must come from a qualified person; Ontario requires training before PPE is used; New Brunswick’s s. 38 addresses provision, training and use. So if a quiz asks whether your employer is not responsible for training you on PPE, the answer is false. 8,2,9,15

In much of Canada, the employer also pays. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut expressly require covered PPE to be provided at no cost, and Quebec’s Act requires the protective means and equipment covered by s. 51(11) to be provided free of charge. 13,14,21,22,18

British Columbia and Yukon split the bill: workers provide their own weather clothing, general-purpose gloves and appropriate footwear (in BC, safety headgear too), while all other PPE required by the regulations is provided at no cost. BC expressly allows agreements for the employer to provide items otherwise assigned to the worker. Elsewhere, check the equipment-specific provision and any workplace agreement rather than assuming who pays. 11,20

Workers hold the other half of the deal: use the equipment as trained, inspect or check it before use (several jurisdictions expressly require this), and report defects or concerns instead of working around them. 12,16,17,15

What training do workers who use PPE need?

PPE training is the process of teaching workers how to properly select, use, maintain and dispose of personal protective equipment to help protect them from workplace hazards. 8

Who must be trained on PPE?

PPE training is necessary for any worker who may be exposed to hazards that call for protective equipment. The legal trigger is the hazard, not the industry. Examples include: 8

  • Construction
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Agriculture
  • Mining
  • Oil and gas
  • Transportation

These are just a few examples of industries where PPE training may be necessary. Ultimately, any workplace with hazards that require personal protective equipment should provide PPE training to its workers. 8

Which part of the training can be done online?

General PPE awareness training can be delivered online. The eSafetyFirst PPE program is a focused 45-minute course with two modules and one test.

However, online awareness training does not replace equipment-specific instruction, fitting, fit testing or hands-on training where these are required. That training must address your workplace and follow your employer’s procedures, the applicable regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions. 2,8,5

What must workers be taught about PPE?

Common themes across Canadian OHS requirements include:

  • When PPE is required: how hazard assessment decides, and where PPE sits in the hierarchy of controls
  • The types of protection for each hazard class (head, eye and face, respiratory, hearing, hand and arm, foot and leg, body) and the applicable standards and certification requirements for the equipment being used
  • Correct use, care, limitations and assigned maintenance of each item
  • Fit and adjustment: equipment must be properly fitted to the user, and under the COHSR this is done by a qualified person
  • Inspection before use, and when equipment must be repaired or replaced
  • The manufacturer’s instructions: under the COHSR, equipment is fitted according to them, and New Brunswick requires instruction and training in use, care and inspection according to the manufacturer’s specifications
  • The duties on each side: the employer ensures appropriate PPE, training and use; the worker uses the equipment as trained and reports problems early

The details depend on the equipment and the applicable rules. Training should address the actual hazards and PPE used at the workplace. 2,12,9,11,15,17,8

Does the law set an expiry date for the training?

No legislation cited in this guide sets an expiry period for a general PPE training certificate. The eSafetyFirst Personal Protective Equipment certificate carries a printed expiry of three years from completion; that is our program’s practice, not a legal requirement. A general PPE course certificate is a record of training, not a universal licence to use every type of protective equipment.

Keep that separate from legal duties and equipment-specific standards. Refresher training may be required sooner depending on changes to hazards, equipment, procedures or worker competency, and on the requirements of the applicable jurisdiction or standard. Some standards address training and protection programs as well as equipment performance; CAN/CSA-Z94.4 is one example. 8,5

Some jurisdictions also set program review cycles. In British Columbia, where PPE is required for chemical exposure or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, the employer’s PPE program must be reviewed annually. That is a program review duty, not a one-year certificate expiry. 11

Key takeaways

PPE is the last line of defence, and Canadian law treats it that way: hazard assessment first, required PPE that meets the applicable regulatory or recognized standard, and training before use. The rules run from COHSR Part XII for workplaces it covers to each jurisdiction's own PPE part. PPE training is how workers learn to select, fit, inspect and use that equipment properly. 8,2

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Last updated: October 21, 2026

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